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Cardiovascular Disorders

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Heart Disorders

Heart Disorders

Although classified as a non-communicable disease, the Ministry of Health recorded heart disorders as the leading cause of death in Indonesia in 2022 (Ministry of Health, 2022).

Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) data from 2013 and 2018 show an increase in cases,  from 0.5% in 2013 to 1.5% in 2018.

What are heart disorders?

Heart disorders, also known as cardiovascular diseases, are a group of health problems that affect the heart and blood vessels. Examples include:

  1. Coronary heart disease

  2. Irregular heartbeat

  3. Congenital heart defects

  4. Heart valve diseases

  5. Hardening of the arteries

  6. Cardiothrombosis

  7. Heart infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites

Causes and Risk Factors

Cardiovascular disorders are heavily influenced by their specific types of diseases. For instance, coronary artery disease can lead to arrhythmia, while infections and rheumatic diseases are a  risk for heart valve disorders.

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of experiencing cardiovascular disorders include:

  1. High blood pressure

  2. High cholesterol or low HDL levels

  3. Smoking 

  4. Obesity

  5. Sedentary lifestyle

  6. Diabetes

Symptoms

These may vary but typically include: 

  1. The presence of chest pain or pressure, which may indicate angina

  2. Pain in the arm, left shoulder, elbow, jaw, or back

  3. Shortness of breath

  4. Nausea and fatigue

  5. Dizziness

  6. Cold sweats

Overview of cardiovascular disorders in Indonesia

There were 651, 458 deaths due to cardiovascular diseases in Indonesia in , the Ministry of Health reported. 

Stroke accounted for the majority with 331,349 deaths, with the other major causes cited as coronary heart disease (245,343 deaths) and hypertension-related disease (50,620 deaths). 

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There has been a recent upsurge in heart disease among adults under the age of 40. The main cause is an unhealthy lifestyle.

Treating Heart Disease

A range of treatment options is available for patients with heart disease. Common approaches include:

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Adopting a healthy lifestyle: Changing to a healthier diet, increasing physical activity through exercise, and quitting smoking can help manage heart disease symptoms.

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Medications: Various types of medications are used to manage heart disease symptoms, including:

  • Anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners

  • Antiplatelet therapy to prevent blood clotting

  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to widen blood vessels

  • Angiotensin II receptor blockers to control blood pressure

  • Beta-blockers to reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure

  • Cholesterol-lowering medications

  • Digitalis to improve the pumping strength of the heart

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Surgical procedures:  If medications are to no avail, doctors may perform specific surgical procedures to treat cardiovascular disease.

Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a serious health condition caused by blood clotting inside the body. A blood clot is a clump of blood that starts as a liquid but becomes solid.

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This disorder usually occurs in the thigh or lower leg. However, DVT can also occur in other parts of the body.

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DVT can be life-threatening because blood clots in the veins can detach and travel through the bloodstream, eventually becoming lodged in the lungs. This can lead to respiratory distress and even prove fatal.

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Causes and Risk Factors 

Normally+, blood flows within the body at all times. When this process is hindered, blood clotting occurs due to several factors, such as:

  1. Injury

  2. Surgery

  3. Prolonged immobility

  4. Certain medications, such as birth control pills, hormone therapy drugs, and antidepressants

  5. Age

  6. Family history of the condition 

  7. Obesity

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Characteristics/Symptoms 

There are several characteristic symptoms of deep vein thrombosis. These include pain in the calf of the affected leg, swelling of the leg, a warm sensation in the swollen leg, and skin turning red or changing color.

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If the blood clot detaches and travels to the lungs, it can block blood vessels in the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. This condition is accompanied by  several symptoms such as:

  1. Slow breathing.

  2. Sudden shortness of breath.

  3. Chest pain, which worsens when taking deep breaths.

  4. Rapid breathing.

  5. A faster heart rate than usual.

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Prevention 

Changing to a healthier lifestyle, such as through ceasing smoking, can help prevent the occurrence of deep vein thrombosis. However, implementing the following approaches are considered effective in warding off the condition. 

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Move frequently Regular movement, whether you are healthy or sick, will help maintain your overall health. Even if confined to bed after surgery,  for example, try to move a little at a time. Regular and consistent body movements are beneficial in stimulating blood flow and reducing the risk of clotting.

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Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity is one risk factors for deep vein thrombosis. It is recommended to partake  in moderate to high-intensity exercise for at least 150 minutes per week to maintain a healthy weight.

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Treatment 

Basically, the treatment for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) will focus on the following aspects:

  1. Preventing the blood clot from getting larger.

  2. Preventing the blood clot from breaking and traveling to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).

  3. Reducing the risk of recurrent DVT in the future.

  4. Preventing the development of other complications.

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Medications

Heparin, warfarin, enoxaparin, and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are among the  medications that can prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism. Your medical practitioner may also prescribe blood thinners such as clopidogrel or aspirin to curb  clotting and reduce the possibility of more clots forming. If these medications do not achieve the desired results, thrombolytic drugs may be prescribed to dissolve the blood clot.

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Compression stockings

If you are at high risk of DVT, it is advisable to wear compression stockings to prevent swelling and reduce the likelihood of blood clot formation.

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Surgery

Surgical intervention may be performed to remove a blood clot in the arm or leg. This option is only applicable when the blood clot is unusually large or has caused serious complications.

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ID-GEN-2023-03-JCYP (03/23)

Referensi

  1. Kementerian Kesehatan, Penyakit Jantung Penyebab Utama Kematian, Kemenkes Perkuat Layanan Primer , terakhir diakses pada 7 Maret 2023

  2. Cleveland Clinic, Cardiovascular Disease , terakhir diakses pada 7 Maret 2023

  3. Healthline, Everything You Need to Know About Heart Disease , terakhir diakses pada 7 Maret 2023

  4. Medical News Today, What to know about cardiovascular disease , terakhir diakses pada 7 Maret 2023

  5. Kementerian Kesehatan, Peringatan Hari Jantung Sedunia 2021: Jaga Jantungmu untuk Hidup Lebih Sehat , terakhir diakses pada 7 Maret 2023

  6. Healthline, Everything You Need to Know About Heart Disease , terakhir diakses pada 7 Maret 2023

  7. Healthline, Drugs to Treat Heart Disease , terakhir diakses pada 7 Maret 2023

  8. Healthline, Everything You Want to Know About Deep Vein trombosis (DVT) , terakhir diakses pada 7 Maret 2023

  9. Medical News Today, What to know about deep vein thrombosis , terakhir diakses pada 7 Maret 2023

  10. Mayo Clinic, Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) , terakhir diakses pada 7 Maret 2023

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